Pussy Willow

(Salix discolor)

Other Names:
American pussy willow, glaucous willow.

Range:


Family:
Salicaceae – Willow family

Growth Type:
A deciduous shrub or small tree.

Height:
Can grow up to 6 meters tall. (approximately 20 ft)

Leaves:
Unlike most other willows, the leaves of Salix discolor are oval in shape. They are approximately 1 to 5¼ inches long and ¼ to 1¼ inches wide. The leaves are green on top and the undersides are downy and grayish-white.

Stem/Trunk:
The wood of the stem, or trunk of the tree or shrub is actually quite weak. It has brown shoots.

Root:
The roots of all species are extremely flexible and strong.

Flower Season:
Early Spring

Flower Appearance:
The soft, silky, silvery, catkins are the reason for the common name pussy willow. They soft velvety "fur" of the catkins are reminiscent of velvet, or the fur of a cat. These catkins appear before the new leaves appear. This, like all other Salix species, is dioecious, meaning the tree is either male or female. The catkins of the male plants yellow at maturity and release pollen.

Seed/Fruit:
The female tree produces the fruit, which is a small capsule containing multiple very small seeds embedded in a cottony fluff that aids in wind dispursal.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A.

Habitat:
Moist soils of swamps, dense woods, stream banks, or yards.

Parts Used:
Buds, catkins, Inner bark of trunk, root, or twigs.

Culinary Uses:
While not great tasting, the buds are edible when they emerge. So too is the inner bark. Both can be eaten raw, or as a cooked vegetable. These should only be considered a survival food.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Medicinal Uses:
Salix spp., contain salicylic acid, the forerunner of modern aspirin. A pain-relieving tea can be brewed from the inner bark of the willow. The caveat I would offer about Salix species, is that the Salicylate levels can vary greatly from species to species, as well as from individual to individual within the same species. If you find a tree that works well for you, keep using it. If at first you do not succeed, keep trying until you find one with enough salicin to alleviate your symptoms.

Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic, Antiarthritic, Anti-Inflammatory, Febrifuge, Odontalgic, Stomachic